2023 Drone Showdown: DJI Mavic 3 vs Air 2S (DJI Air 2s & DJI Mavic 3 Cine Comparison)

DJI Mavic 3 v Air 2S: Quick Similarities
- Both the DJI Mavic 3 and the DJI Mavic Air 2S are small, portable drones that are made to be easy to carry and fly.
- Both drones have high-quality cameras that can take photos and videos with a lot of detail.
- Both drones have a number of smart flight modes and features, like ActiveTrack, QuickShots, and Panoramas, that let users take creative videos and photos.
- Both of these drones have long battery lives. The Mavic 3 can fly for up to 45 minutes, and the Mavic Air 2S can fly for up to 34 minutes.

DJI Mavic 3 v Air 2S: Design
DJI Mavic 3 | DJI Air 2S | |
---|---|---|
Kick-Off Weight | 0.895 kg | 0.595 kg |
Size | 13.7″ x 11.1″ x 4.2″ | 7″ x 10″ x 3″ |
Folded size | 8.7″ x 3.8″ x 3.6″ | 7.1″ x 3.8″ x 3″ |
Angular distance | 0.38 m | 0.30 m |
Sensors | All-over | Back/Front/Rear/Down/Up |

DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic Air 2: Controller & range
DJI Mavic 3 | DJI Air 2S | |
---|---|---|
FCC-approved (USA) | 15 km | 12 km |
CE-approved (UK/EU) | 8 km | 8 km |
Phone hold | Phone / iPad mini | Phone / iPad mini |
Live View resolution | 1080/60 | 1080/30 |
DJI Mavic 3 Cine vs Air 2S: Maneuverability and speed

DJI Mavic 3 vs Air 2S: Gimbal & Camera Performance
DJI Mavic 3 | DJI Air 2S | |
---|---|---|
Axis | 3 Pitch, 3 Roll, 3 Yaw | 3 Pitch, 3 Roll, 3 Yaw |
Tilt | +/- 135 to 100 m/s2 (-90 to 35 degrees) | +/- 135 to 24 m/s2 (-90 to 45 degrees) |
Roll | only +/- 45 degrees mech | only +/- 45 degrees mech |
Pan | +/- 5 to 27 degrees mech | +/- 100 degrees |
Rate of tilt | 100 degrees per second | 180 degrees per second |
Winner: DJI Mavic 3
DJI Mavic 3 vs Air 2S: Still photos
DJI Mavic 3 | DJI Air 2S | |
---|---|---|
Resolution | 20 maga pixal | 20 maga pixal |
Tele resolution | 12 maga pixal | N/A |
Sensor dimensions | 4/3-inch (for tele, 1/2-inch) | 4/3-inch |
ISO Scale | 100-6,400 | 100-12,800 |
Focal length | 2.8-11 mm | 2.8 mm |
Formats of images | JPEG or DNG | JPEG or DNG |
Winner: Tie


DJI Mavic 3 vs Air 2S: Video
DJI Mavic 3 | DJI Air 2S | |
---|---|---|
Resolutions | 5.1K at 50fps 4K at 120fps | 5.4K at 30fps 4K at 60fps |
H.264 / H.265 bitrate | 200 Mbps | 150 Mbps |
SSD Write Rate | 471 MB/s – Cine only | N/A |
Winner: DJI Mavic 3

DJI Mavic 3 vs Air 2S: Software features
Winner: Tie
DJI Mavic 3 vs Air 2S: Battery life

Active route and Obstacle Avoidance Sensors
The upgraded APAS 5.0 obstacle detection system should be a little better than the one in the Air 2s because it has better software, six fish-eye vision sensors, and two wide-angle sensors that work together to make a 360-degree system.
This way of avoiding something is also used in a new way when it comes to home technology. Instead of flying in a straight line, the new DJI Mavic 3 drone can take a determined route to return home for the first time.
Active Track 5.0 is also an improvement over earlier versions because it lets the drone follow the subject as it moves forward, backward, to the left, to the right, and diagonally, as well as fly next to it. Even if the subject is briefly out of focus, smart software and good cameras can figure out where the subject will be.
DJI Mavic 3 vs Air 2S: FAQs
Q. Is Mavic Air 2S better than Mavic 3?
The Mavic 3 is the best option for high frame rate shooting, as it is capable of filming at 120 fps in 4K and up to 50 fps in 5.1K. Whereas the Air 2S only goes up to 60 frames per second in 4K, it can achieve 120 frames per second in 1080p.
Q. Is it worth it to move up to the Mavic 3 from the Air 2S?
The DJI Mavic Air 2S is a foldable drone that is capable of shooting 4K video and 20-megapixel photos. It has a 7x optical zoom feature that allows you to get close-up shots without losing image quality.
The Mavic Air 2S is a powerful and feature-rich drone that offers excellent performance and value for its price. However, the DJI Mavic 3 is a newer and more expensive model that costs roughly double the price of the Mavic Air 2S. Even though it can also be folded and shoot 4K video and high-resolution photos, it has even more advanced features and functions. For instance, the Mavic 3 has a better camera that works better in low light, a longer flight time, and a more advanced system for avoiding obstacles.
If you’re looking for a high-quality drone that offers excellent performance and value for its price, the Mavic Air 2S is a great option. However, if you’re willing to pay more for the latest and most advanced technology, the Mavic 3 may be worth considering.
Q. What is the Air 2S’s cine mode?
The drone’s speed in Cine Mode is reduced to 5 meters per second, which is slow but faster than in the default Tripod Mode. A lot of people who fly drones have been bugging DJI to bring back tripod mode. “You ditched it for cine mode once you launched the Mavic Air 2 in 2020.”
Q. Can the DJI Mavic air 2S track your location?
DJI Mavic 3 vs DJI Air 2S: Final Thoughts
Mavic 3 Cine vs. Fly More Combo
Most recent DJI drones come with the option to buy “Fly More Combos,” which are discounted bundles of extra parts like spare propellers, batteries, and charging hubs that come with the basic drone package. The starter drone bundle is all you need to get in the air, but the “Fly More Combos” will have you covered for longer flights and more challenging conditions.
The “Fly More Combo” is back with the Mavic 3, and a “Mavic 3 Premium Cine Combo” is also available. The “Mavic 3 Cine” is a unique aircraft that features 1TB of very fast internal storage and the ability to shoot videos in Apple ProRes 422 HQ, neither of which are included in the “basic package” or the “Fly More Combo.”
The available bundles are outlined below. I took note of the upgrades available in the “Fly More Combo” and the “Cine Premium Combo” compared to the base bundle.
Daniel Wisdom
As an associate staff writer, Daniel Wisdom brings a unique perspective to his writing. His interests in games and robotics have given him a deep understanding of technology and its impact on society. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in robotics competitions and exploring new hobbies.